WEST PALM BEACH | Father Duván Bermúdez, director of Hispanic ministries for the Diocese of Palm Beach, celebrated morning Mass March 7, 2026, at Birthline/Lifeline’s Miracle House on 45th Street in West Palm Beach. Assisted by Deacon Jojo Guardiario, he walked afterward from the Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel of the Holy Innocents to the nearby abortion center to pray the rosary for an end to the killing.
During the liturgy, on the feast of Sts. Felicity and Perpetua, Christian martyrs from the third century, Father Bermúdez urged the faithful to trust God and shed light in the world’s dark places. We must be courageous and ask the Lord to accompany us in our struggles, he said. If he walks with us, we have a powerful ally.
“Today, many Christians around the world suffer persecution. Our pope invites us as the church, as disciples, to plead to our Lord, to pray for peace beginning in our hearts, in our families, in our communities,” Father Bermúdez said. “And also, he invites us to pray for life, to defend life. It’s the reason we are here, because we believe that our life is a good thing that we’ve received from God.
“Many people attack us, criticize us, oppose us because we believe in Jesus. Do not be afraid, my dear brothers and sisters. Do not be afraid if many people point to you, criticize you about your faith. No, do not be afraid to be a good light because the light is important in dark times. We need to be a good light in this dark time we are living in now,” he said.
Masses in support of the pro-life cause are celebrated in the chapel every Saturday at 9:30 a.m., except Holy Saturday. The liturgy attracts Catholics from throughout the area who participate in the 40 Days for Life spring prayer vigil, from Ash Wednesday (Feb. 18) to March 28. The prayer warriors stand outside the abortion facility as peaceful witnesses to the sanctity of human life. Anyone interested in praying for an end to abortion is invited to visit www.40daysforlife.com/en/westpalmbeach.
A training session for pro-life sidewalk advocates is set for Saturday, March 21, from noon to 5 p.m. at St. Peter Parish in Jupiter. Lauren Muzyka, president and CEO of Sidewalk Advocates for Life, will be the trainer. Participants will learn how to talk with abortion-minded women and help them choose life for their child. A $20 donation will cover the cost of resources and lunch. RSVP by March 18 to Cheryle Kerksieck at cakbike@att.net or 561-510-3865.
A Mass to mark the conclusion of 40 Days for Life is planned for 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 28, at the Miracle House chapel, 3115 45th St. in West Palm Beach, with Father Don Finney, St. Peter’s pastor, presiding.
To learn more about Birthline/Lifeline’s services, visit www.birthlinelifeline.org. Contact the Respect Life ministry of Catholic Charities by emailing Deanna Herbst-Hoosac at dherbst@ccdpb.org or calling 561-360-3330. For information about Catholic Charities, visit www.ccdpb.org and follow the agency on social media.
